Choose dried fruit based on the specific ingredient you need to avoid: check both the ingredients list and the warning about possible cross-contamination on the packaging. Unsulphured raisins are particularly relevant if you have a sulphite sensitivity; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, children without this sensitivity can also eat sulphured raisins. Keep the portion small and use dried fruit as an accompaniment; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing fresh fruit instead.
If you need to take a food allergy or other exclusion diet into account for a holiday lunch, check the exact product for its ingredients and any risk of cross-contamination. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on labels.
If sulphites are the reason you avoid certain dried fruits, focus on that specific requirement. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre identifies sulphite sensitivity as an exception when it comes to sulphured raisins.
If you want to take dried fruit along as an accompaniment to lunch, check whether a multipack is suitable or whether you’d rather measure out a portion yourself. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a small portion for children.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| A specific allergen | Read the ingredients list and the warning about possible cross-contamination; check for the allergen you need to avoid. | If I need to avoid a particular ingredient because of an allergy, I want to be able to check that ingredient and the risk of cross-contamination. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Sulphites | Check the product information for sulphites, and distinguish between sulphite sensitivity and other dietary preferences. | If sulphite sensitivity is the reason for my choice, I want to check the sulphite information rather than automatically ruling out all raisins. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portion size and ingredients | Consider how much you’re packing and treat dried fruit as an accompaniment; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a small portion and favours fresh fruit. | For a small lunchbox addition, I want to be able to measure out the amount I pack and take any dietary requirements into account. Around 21% of consumers put this priority first. |
| Packaging convenience | Compare the pack size and any individual portions; follow the storage advice for the exact product. | If I want something that’s easy to take along, I check the amount in each pack and whether I need to portion it myself. Around 14% of consumers put convenience for taking food along first. |
A general dietary description doesn’t replace the information on the packaging of the exact product.
Be specific about the ingredient you need to avoid and check both the ingredients list and the warning about possible cross-contamination.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, children can also eat sulphured raisins; sulphite sensitivity is the relevant exception.
Let any specific sulphite sensitivity guide what you look for and check the information for the exact product.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that dried fruit is high in sugar and recommends a small portion for children; fresh fruit is preferable.
Decide in advance how much to pack, and don’t treat a large pack as a single child-sized portion.
AH Raisins are listed on a Dutch Albert Heijn product page.
Jumbo lists Blue Raisins in a 250 g pack.
Lidl lists Snoeprozijntjes in 2 x 14 g packs and Belbake Raisins in a 750 g pack.
ALDI Netherlands lists Trader Joe’s Raisins in a 500 g pack.
PLUS lists Dried Apricots in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Sultana Raisins on a Dutch product page.
These products are dried or freeze-dried fruit options for a lunchbox or snack. If you have a dietary requirement, always check the current product packaging; this product information does not establish whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
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The six individual bags make it easy to take a portion with you when you’re out and about.
Pack size: 150 g, divided into six 25 g bags.
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The small pack may suit you if you want to take a limited amount with you.
Pack size: 25 g.
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A dried guava option to consider if you’re looking for a different type of fruit alongside raisins.
Pack size: 180 g.
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The sliced format may suit you if you want to use dried fruit as a snack or topping.
Pack size: 50 g.
Check the ingredients list and the warning about possible cross-contamination. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that designated allergens in the ingredients list must be clearly distinguishable from the other ingredients.
Such a warning indicates a possible risk; it doesn’t automatically mean that every pack contains the allergen in question. For example, the Dutch Coeliac Association explains that gluten isn’t necessarily present when a wheat warning is shown. However, do consider the warning in light of your dietary requirements.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, children can also eat sulphured raisins; sulphite sensitivity is the relevant exception. Check the product information if sulphites matter to your choice.
Make sure your child is sitting calmly and stay close while they eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises cutting pieces for toddlers into manageable sizes, and making them extra small if you’re unsure whether your child can chew well.
Use the information on the current packaging and ask the retailer for clarification if you have any questions. Albert Heijn advises reading the packaging before use and contacting its customer service team if you have any questions.
